Outcomes

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The Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Studies Program's Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are our program-defined competencies representing the knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving required for physician assistant practice. Our program's mission and vision guide our program-defined competencies. They are aligned with and informed by the Competencies for the Physician Assistant (PA) Profession.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)

Upon completion of Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Studies Program, graduates are expected to:

1. Incorporate principles of cultural competence across the healthcare continuum. (IS, PB)

Demonstrates the ability to treat all persons (patients, colleagues, and faculty) regardless of race, religion or spirituality, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and educational background with respect, care, and compassion
Uses effective communication skills with culturally and ethnically diverse patients and adjusts to language barriers (including health literacy and use of interpreters)
Recognizes harm of implicit bias and employs strategies to increase self-awareness

2. Gather essential & accurate information about patients through history-taking, physical exam, use of lab data, imaging, and others. (MK, CTS, CRPS)

H&P: Completes an accurate history and physical exam in an organized fashion
H&P: Demonstrates patient-centered interview skills
H&P: Demonstrates clinical reasoning by gathering information relevant to the patient's care
H&P: Performs focused physical exam pertinent to the setting and purpose of the patient encounter
H&P: Synthesizes information into a cohesive verbal or written narrative for a variety of clinical encounters
Diagnostic Testing: Recommends appropriate, cost-effective diagnostic tests for routine health maintenance and common disorders
Diagnostic Testing: Explains rationale for decision to order diagnostic tests
Diagnostic Testing: Interprets results of diagnostic studies to guide appropriate patient care
Diagnosis: Integrates information as it emerges to refine differential diagnosis
Diagnosis: Synthesizes essential information from previous records, history, physical exam, and diagnostic evaluations to create an evidence-based, prioritized differential diagnosis
Diagnosis: Engages with team members to best develop the working diagnosis that will inform management plans

3. Locate, critically evaluate, integrate, and appropriately apply scientific evidence to patient care. (CTS, CRPS)

Formulates a well-informed, focused, pertinent clinical question using curiosity, objectivity, and scientific reasoning (ASK)
Demonstrates awareness and skill in using information technology to access accurate and reliable medical information (ACQUIRE)
Demonstrates skill in appraising sources, content, and applicability of evidence (APPRAISE)
Communicates findings to the patient and team, reflecting on process and outcomes (ADVISE)

4. Develop and implement patient management plans. (MK, IS, CTS, CRPS)

Applies knowledge of basic sciences to patient care plans
Integrates available pharmacologic options into patient management plans based on scientific rationale including: method of delivery, dosages, interactions, adverse effects, and response to specific drug toxicities
Communicates effectively with the team, patient, and family to ensure patient management plan is understood
Integrates evidence-based, non-pharmacologic modalities (e.g., physical therapy, surgery, and counseling) into patient management plans
Recognizes and avoids errors by attending to patient-specific factors, using resources, and appropriately responding to safety alerts
Implements management plans that consider: patient's age; medical, psychological, and social needs; economic resources; personal preferences (including alternative therapies); local/national practice guidelines; healthcare system resources; and public health
Conducts a conversation with a patient and family about advance directives, goals of care, and code status, recognizing medical indications for the transition to comfort care
Utilizes resources to make appropriate referrals

5. Provide preventative healthcare services and education. (MK, IS, CTS, CRPS)

Integrates risk-reduction strategies (screening, immunization, and behavioral modifications) taking into account factors such as age, culture, occupation, and social environment
Engages patients and families in shared decision-making to counsel patients on preventative measures and provide education with each clinical visit appropriate for age group, sex, and common ethnic/cultural groups